Gap year
A gap year is a temporary, voluntary arrangement that allows students to pursue their personal and professional goals. Students enrolled in a gap year are officially registered with their institution.
Overview of the Program
In accordance with Law No. 2018-166 of March 8, 2018, on student guidance and success, and its implementing decree No. 2018-372 of May 18, 2018, concerning the temporary suspension of studies at public institutions offering initial higher education programs, you may request a gap year during your university studies.
Only one gap year is granted per degree program (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate). The gap year program does not apply to institutional degrees. It is granted for a full academic year. Approval is not automatic and requires an application, which will be reviewed by the academic committee.
Why take a gap year?
- Pursue a career project
- Pursue another course of study
- Gain professional experience
- Complete an internship (internship agreement must be signed)
- Complete civic service
When and how to apply?
For any request to take a gap year for the following year, you must fill out the “Gap Year Program” form, which can be downloaded below, and return it to your academic office no later than September 1, 2026 (until September 15, 2026, only for Parcoursup applicants admitted during the supplementary phase).
Formulaire de demande de césure (198.09 KB, .pdf)
FAQ: Caesura
Do you have specific questions about the gap year program? Find the answers in this FAQ.
FAQ: Caesura
Do you have specific questions about the gap year program? Find the answers in this FAQ.
What can I do during a gap year?
→ You can:
- Civic service
- Volunteer with the European Solidarity Corps
- A VIA / VIE
- Volunteer work (with an organization, etc.)
- A student-entrepreneur project
- A job (employment contract)
- Training in a field other than your original course of study
- An internship in France or abroad
Am I eligible for a student ID card during my gap year?
→ Yes. You must be enrolled at the institution during the gap year. You will therefore be eligible for the benefits associated with student status.
Is the gap year program open to continuing education students?
→ No. The gap year program is only available to students in their initial degree program.
Do I have to pay tuition during my gap year?
→ Yes, but at a reduced rate (2018 decree). You will also need to pay the CVEC fee or apply for an exemption on the étudiant.gouv website (link at the bottom of the page).
During my gap year, am I eligible for a means-tested scholarship?
→ Yes, but under certain conditions (for more information, visit the étudiant.gouv website, link at the bottom of the page)
Can I start my studies with a gap year?
→ Yes, that’s possible. However, please note that the Department of Korean Studies at INALCO does not accept gap years at the beginning of the program. Students who wish to take a gap year during their first year (L1) must check the “gap year” box when submitting their preferences on Parcoursup.
What is the maximum duration of a gap year?
→ The maximum duration of a gap year is two academic semesters (6 months per semester) per degree program.
How do I put together my application?
→ You must submit your application to your academic office along with the following documents:
- Duly completed gap year application form
- Copy of current student ID card
- Cover letter describing the student’s project
- Resume
- Any supporting documents that help assess the relevance of the gap year
Do I have to notify INALCO of my gap year plans?
→ Yes. Approval for a gap year is subject to authorization by the university president and, by delegation, by the departmental academic committees following a review of your application.
What can I do if my gap year request is denied?
→ You may file an appeal with the President of INALCO or request a reconsideration from the Academic Secretariat.